Palmerston North is a strong bowling city. The Manawatū hub has a big, modern tenpin centre packed with extras, and a well-established lawn bowls scene — including the oldest and largest club in the region, with a record of national titles.
Whether you’re after a family day out, a competitive league, or a club to learn the game and improve, here’s where to bowl in Palmerston North.
Tenpin Bowling in Palmerston North
Palmerston North’s tenpin scene centres on one large, well-equipped venue on Cuba Street that pairs lanes with mini golf, arcade games and a bar.
Bowlarama Tenpin Bowling Centre
- Where: 94 Cuba Street, Takaro, Palmerston North 4410
- Lanes: 20+ fully automatic lanes (AMF gear, automatic scoring; the venue’s own site references up to 26 — confirm on booking); air-conditioned
- Food & drink: Licensed bar, large range of non-alcoholic drinks, and a classic Kiwi snack bar (pies, sausage rolls, Tip Top ice creams)
- Also: 18-hole glow-in-the-dark Jurassic-themed mini putt; pool tables, arcade games, air hockey; bumper guards for under-10s; league bowling; birthday, work and corporate functions; has hosted the National Deaf Championships; indicative pricing around $14 adult / $12 child per game
- Web: bowlaramapn.co.nz · Phone: 06 356 7090
Read our review of Bowlarama Tenpin Bowling Centre.
Bowlarama’s details are confirmed via its own website and listings; note a lane-count discrepancy across sources (20 vs 26) and that cards may be the only payment method — confirm current pricing, hours and payment options before publishing.
Lawn Bowls Clubs in Palmerston North
Lawn bowls runs deep in the Manawatū, coordinated by Bowls Manawatū. Palmerston North’s clubs range from a nationally successful, century-old club to friendly neighbourhood greens with twilight leagues and youth programmes. Below is a selection.
Palmerston North Bowling Club (Bowls Palmerston North)
- Where: 24 Linton Street, Palmerston North
- Greens: [TBC] (Linton Street complex, opened 1958)
- History: Established 1889 — the oldest bowling club in the Manawatū and the only freehold club in Palmerston North
- Members & play: The largest lawn bowls club in Manawatū; a mix of new and established bowlers, young and old; hosts Bowls Manawatū, Bowls NZ and regional events; has won national titles and produced Manawatū and NZ representatives
- Also: Clubrooms and greens available for hire; Greenside Bistro open Friday evenings; bar open to members Friday nights; catering and function facilities
- Web: palmerstonnorthbowlingclub.wordpress.com · Phone: 027 579 4477 (or Gary 021 037 9305)
Read our review of Palmerston North Bowling Club.
North End Bowling Club
- Where: 74 North Street, Palmerston North
- Greens: 3 greens — artificial and natural
- Members & play: Wednesday Twilight League; coaching; a Rangatahi (youth) programme; a variety of playing and casual memberships — a strong choice for learners and improvers
- Also: Clubhouse, kitchen, licensed bar, Sky TV, darts, pool table, BBQ area, EFTPOS, defibrillator, wheelchair access; private/casual bookings, corporate days and functions
- Web: (via bowlsnewzealand.co.nz) · Phone: 06 358 6956 · Email: [email protected]
Read our review of North End Bowling Club.
Hokowhitu Bowling Club
- Where: Hokowhitu, Palmerston North [full address TBC]
- Greens: [TBC]
- Members & play: An established local club affiliated with Bowls Manawatū; hosts centre meetings and competitive play; welcomes new members
- Also: Clubrooms and facilities [details TBC]
- Web: [TBC] · Phone: [TBC]
Read our review of Hokowhitu Bowling Club.
This is a selection of Palmerston North clubs affiliated with Bowls Manawatū, not a complete list — others include Takaro and Terrace End. Find the full directory and current contacts via Bowls Manawatū.
Recommended For
- Best for families & kids: Bowlarama — bumper guards for under-10s plus mini golf, arcade games and air hockey under one roof.
- Best for a night out: Bowlarama’s glow mini putt and licensed bar; Palmerston North Bowling Club’s Friday-night bar and Greenside Bistro for a relaxed evening.
- Best for groups & work functions: Bowlarama runs corporate and party packages; North End and Palmerston North BC both offer function hire.
- Best for learning lawn bowls & improving: North End Bowling Club, with coaching, a youth programme and a Wednesday twilight league.
- Best for competitive lawn bowls: Palmerston North Bowling Club, the region’s largest and most successful, a regular host of Bowls Manawatū and Bowls NZ events.
Getting There & Practical Tips
- Booking: Book Bowlarama ahead, especially Friday/Saturday evenings and school holidays — it gets busy.
- Payment: Bowlarama may not accept cash for some transactions — check before you go, and bring a card.
- Parking: Bowlarama is on Cuba Street with parking nearby; bowls clubs have on-site parking.
- Lawn bowls: Clubs welcome newcomers and usually provide bowls — North End runs coaching and a twilight league; phone ahead.
- All-weather play: North End’s artificial green allows play in a wider range of conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go tenpin bowling in Palmerston North? Bowlarama Tenpin Bowling Centre at 94 Cuba Street is the city’s tenpin venue, with 20+ automatic lanes plus glow mini putt, arcade games, air hockey and a bar.
Does Palmerston North have lawn bowls clubs I can join? Yes — including Palmerston North Bowling Club (the region’s oldest and largest, on Linton Street), North End (North Street, with coaching and a twilight league) and Hokowhitu. All welcome new members.
Where’s best to learn lawn bowls in Palmerston North? North End Bowling Club offers coaching, a Rangatahi youth programme and a Wednesday twilight league, making it a great entry point; most clubs provide bowls for newcomers.
Where can I bowl on a rainy day in Palmerston North? Bowlarama is fully indoor and air-conditioned. For lawn bowls, North End’s artificial green widens the playable conditions.
Is Bowlarama good for kids’ parties? Yes — with bumper guards for under-10s, glow mini putt and arcade games, plus dedicated party-room options, it’s a popular birthday venue.